Toll free number launched to know about breast cancer

Claimed to be the first of its kind in India, if a person call +1800 2700 703+ an automatic voice will provide information on breast cancer in English and in Tamil, Dr P Guhan, Director, SRIOR told reporters at the launch function.PTI | October 01, 2015, 16:15 IST

Coimbatore, Oct 1 :The city based Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research (SRIOR) today launched a toll free phone number to create awareness and information regarding breast cancer.

Claimed to be the first of its kind in India, if a person call +1800 2700 703+ an automatic voice will provide information on breast cancer in English and in Tamil, Dr P Guhan, Director, SRIOR told reporters at the launch function.

Details like stages of breast cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms, early detection, diagnostic tests, treatment options, chemotherapy and its side effects, dietary tips and prevention of breast cancer, can be listened, Guhan said.

Stating that +Project Deepam of SRIOR, launched by late Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, when he was President, has so far screened 2.19 lakh women for breast cancer free of cost, which revealed that 29 out of every one lakh women have been detected to have breast cancer of various stages, he said.

Since there was lack of awareness, the Institute was continuing the crusade to conquer the disease, which was easily cured fully, if detected early, he said.

Stating that the step would catch the attention of the population, with earth shrinking to the size of cell phone, Guhan said that with the help of NSS volunteers in Bharathiar University, the institute will distribute five lakh educational pamphlets on breast cancer in six districts in and around Coimbatore.

Moreover, the institute will carry out free mammogram to all women from today to October 31, on all working days, he said. NVM RC

Only in India the healthcare financing is very small when compared to the financing by the other forces rather than the patient himself or herself paying out of pocket. Having 70-75% of the expenses as out-of-pocket, in my opinion, is not a right approach to managing healthcare in a country where the patients tend to sub-optimally purchase healthcare if he/she has to pay out-of-pocket.